Skin Cancer
Skin Cancer is a malignancy in the skin and is the most common of all cancers. There are three types of major skin cancers, which are basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma. Basal cell carcinoma, the most common type, develops in the basal, or bottom, layer of the epidermis. Squamous cell carcinoma develops in the upper layers of the epidermis. Melanoma develops in the melanocytes, or pigment cells, which are the basal layer of the skin. Melanoma is the most dangerous type of skin cancer. Skin cancers can grow in any part of the skin, however, most grow in areas that are exposed to the sun, especially the face, neck, hands, and scalps. Exposure to direct sunlight, especially in early childhood, is the major risk factor in getting skin cancer. People with pale skin are the greatest risk of skin cancer, particularly if their skin burns or freckles easily. A family history of skin cancer can also increase a person's risk. Another factor is a person's diet. A recent study found that patients on a diet of 20 percent fat had fewer precancerous growths and non-melanoma skin cancers than those who had a diet of about 38 percent fat. Early detection and treatment are the keys to survival
A mole could become itchy or tender and if it's a new mole it may feel hard or even bleed which can also lead to skin cancer. It is also recommended to wear sunscreen on a regular basis, which has been shown to prevent the development of precancerous keratoses, skin lesions that occur at middle age. A class of vitamin-based drugs called retinoids, have been shown to reduce the number of basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas. Having sunscreen on helps, however, the ozone layer is so strong now that there is not to much that can prevent skin cancer 100 percent. The five-year survival rate lowers to 60 percent for melanoma that has spread to other body organs. Skin cancer slowly develops over many years, which means that you should start having protection on your skin at young childhood. Everyperson who is not albino, has some coloring in their skin, some more than others, but you will know if there is a cancerous growth forming on your body. The Skin Cancer Foundation recommends that people avoid the sun at its peak, which is from 10am to 3pm, and instead look for shade, as well as covering up with hats, clothing, ect. Also have had protection on your skin as a young child because skin cancer develops throughout many years. Although skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States, it is also the most curable, especially when it is detected early. People with melanoma that has not spread throughout the body have a five-year survival rate as well, however, it rises to 94 percent. There are also vaccines to reduce the reoccurrence of melanoma. To confirm a diagnosis of skin cancer a doctor may perform a biopsy, by removing a small piece of the skin to examine under a microscope for the presence of cancerous cells. Another cause of skin cancer is indoor tanning parlors, which have the same ultraviolets as the sun, therefore, they should also be avoided. ------------------------------------------------------------------------**Bibliography**.
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